05/30/2026
Recently your Perryville fire department responded to a call for a carbon monoxide detector activation. The following highlights the importance of properly installed and maintained carbon monoxide detectors.
Upon crews arrival the occupants of the structure were already evacuated. Fire department crews immediately had readings of 150 ppm (parts per million) inside the structure.. Crews later located the location of the release to be coming from a utility room with readings of 2000 ppm located inside the room.
For people that don't know much about carbon monoxide or (CO) this is a highly poisonous gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless it's also referred to as the “ Silent Killer”. Breathing it in replaces oxygen in the blood which can lead to rapid organ damage and death.
Common Sources: Gas furnaces, portable generators, fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills, idling cars, and faulty water heaters.
"Flu-like" Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
Because you cannot see or smell CO, specialized alarms are your only warning.
Install Alarms: Place alarms on every level of your home and near all sleeping areas. Maintenance: Have your heating systems, vents, and chimneys checked annually by a professional.
Safe Operations: Never use a portable generator or charcoal grill indoors or inside an attached garage. Never idle a car in a closed space. See pictures below for information.
